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1 – 9 of 9Karam Mansour Ghazi, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Hesham Dar and Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of strategic leadership (SL) on business operational resilience (OR) in the hotel industry in Egypt, namely, during and after…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of strategic leadership (SL) on business operational resilience (OR) in the hotel industry in Egypt, namely, during and after the pandemic. This investigation also aimed to explore the mediating function of crisis response strategies (CRSs) and organisational e-readiness (Oe-R) in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire as the primary data collection method. Using partial least squares structural equation simulation (PLS-SEM), the study used a comprehensive sample that targets the general managers of all five-star hotels in Egypt.
Findings
Results indicated that SL has a positive impact on CRSs and Oe-R. Furthermore, the results reveal a positive influence of Oe-R on both CRSs and hotel OR. On the other hand, CRSs do not influence hotel OR. The findings showed that CRSs fully mediate the link between SL and OR. However, CRSs do not serve as a mediator between Oe-R and OR. Furthermore, the findings showed that Oe-R partially mediates the link between SL and both OR and CRSs.
Practical implications
The study yields unique and valuable theoretical and practical insights to guide hotel leaders and managers towards adaptive recovery and resilience in turbulent and crisis-ridden environments by demonstrating that the combined mediating function of CRS and Oe-R is more effective in strengthening the relationship between SL and OR.
Originality/value
This study represents a pioneering investigation that establishes a correlation between SL and OR, either through direct or indirect means. The research examines the involvement of CRSs and Oe-R as collaborative mediators in this relationship. Previous studies undertaken in the hotel industry and service sector have not investigated this specific element.
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Zakaria Elkhwesky, Islam Elbayoumi Salem and Mona Barakat
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of ethnic, gender and religious diversity management practices (DMPs) and the level of implementation from perspectives…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of ethnic, gender and religious diversity management practices (DMPs) and the level of implementation from perspectives of five-star hotels in Egypt. Besides, it also examines the moderating role of empowerment and capability development (CD) between the importance and the implementation of gender and religious management practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The questionnaires were distributed personally to entry-level F&B employees, F&B managers, working in F&B departments, and HR managers in all accepted five-star hotels in their workplaces, during July and August 2017. Only 400 returned back, with a response rate of 35 percent and were considered usable for data analysis.
Findings
The results clarified that there was a significant moderate positive correlation between the importance and the implementation of gender and religious management practices (MPs). Nonetheless, the correlation proved to be significant, weak and positive between the importance and the implementation of ethnic MPs. The relationship between the importance and the implementation of ethnic, gender and religious MPs was not moderated by empowerment.
Research limitations/implications
Although questionnaires have been collected from diverse F&B outlets, comparisons among outlets were not conducted. This study concentrated on the F&B departments only; hence, future researchers can make comparisons among different departments.
Practical implications
This study implies that HR managers should recruit employees from diverse ethnicities, gender, ages, disabilities and religions to help five-star hotels achieve success in marketplaces. Recruiting diverse employees should be a basic part of the organizational culture of hotels, specifically F&B departments.
Social implications
Social activities organized in hotels, such as a tennis table, football and billiards tournaments, are included. Hotels can provide employees with special meals during fasting and they can also allow Christian employees to leave the hotel from 7 to 10 a.m. to attend the mass in church each Sunday.
Originality/value
Although DM is necessary for the hospitality industry, there is a lack of studies focusing on investigating the importance−implementation of DMPs and analyzing the moderating role of empowerment and CD in this industry, specifically in Egypt. This study provided weighty contributions to the management of diversity in the Egyptian hotel sector and formed one of the first empirical studies.
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José Alberto Castañeda García, Juan Miguel Rey Pino, Zakaria Elkhwesky and Islam Elbayoumi Salem
The purpose of this study is to identify the core responsible leadership (RL) practices that are most relevant to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) restaurants…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the core responsible leadership (RL) practices that are most relevant to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) restaurants. Furthermore, the authors adapt scales to measure these practices and conduct a pilot study to evaluate their impact on business performance in such establishments.
Design/methodology/approach
Exploratory sequential mixed methods are used to fulfill the research aims. In the first phase, a set of definitions and practices associated with RL are derived from a systematic literature review. Second, a projective method of data collection is applied, involving a panel of 16 experts. Third, a fuzzy cognitive map is developed, which captures the responses of 40 owners or general managers of SME restaurants.
Findings
Twenty-five practices are identified from the systematic literature review. The results show the five leadership practices that match the order of importance assigned by the experts: societal orientation, ethics, stakeholder involvement, power-sharing and environmental orientation. The relevance of those five practices is validated to explain SME restaurants’ financial performance and innovation performance.
Practical implications
Innovation is the key to advancing business sustainability and resilience, and the results identify the specific RL practices that enable improvements to be made in innovation performance among SME restaurants.
Originality/value
This paper identifies the RL practices that are particularly relevant to the tourism field (specifically, the restaurant industry), offers measurement scales for those practices and provides empirical evidence of the relationship between these RL practices and business performance in SME restaurants.
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Zakaria Elkhwesky, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Haywantee Ramkissoon and José-Alberto Castañeda-García
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of leadership styles in the hospitality industry. It also demonstrates theories used in hospitality leadership styles research…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of leadership styles in the hospitality industry. It also demonstrates theories used in hospitality leadership styles research, identifies the main outcomes and highlights gaps for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a comprehensive review of the 79 articles on leadership styles in the hospitality context spanning over 13 years (2008–2020) and extends the scope in distinctive means.
Findings
This review has demonstrated that leadership styles research in hospitality has made progress in the past 13 years; however, there are conceptual and empirical overlaps among different leadership styles in hospitality. There is a lack of research on antecedents and integrating theories in studies. This review has revealed that several leadership styles have not been rigorously examined in hospitality research with their outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
The search strategy used to find articles published in Web of Science about leadership styles in hospitality was restricted to title to boost the accuracy of the subsequent literature.
Practical implications
By following the guidance presented in this review, the authors expect to advance and maintain hospitality leadership research to provide substantive insights into the context of hospitality leadership over the coming years.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to undertake a comprehensive understanding of various leadership styles in the hospitality context. This study provides a comprehensive projected research agenda to demonstrate theoretical discourses and empirical research. Overall, this critical review presents a holistic idea of the focus of the prior studies and what should be highlighted in future studies.
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Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz, Alamir Al-alawi, Nasser Alhamar Alkathiri and Zakaria Elkhwesky
This study aims to examine the role of eco-label hotel engagement as a pathway to sustainable practices via scouting entrepreneurial resilience and orientation at highly ranked…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of eco-label hotel engagement as a pathway to sustainable practices via scouting entrepreneurial resilience and orientation at highly ranked hotels in Oman. The authors developed and tested a novel model built on resilience theory, the theory of entrepreneurial orientation and the theory of reasoned action (TRA).
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 167 human resources directors, hotel managers and other employees were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).
Findings
Results indicate a strong positive relationship between entrepreneurial resilience and entrepreneurial orientation. Entrepreneurial orientation significantly increased all eco-label strategies, but not all strategies enhanced sustainable tourism practices. High adoption of sustainability practices depended on core strategies related to awareness, benefits, reputation and necessity, but the cost was also an issue. Managers adopted sustainability practices if they were not perceived as costly, or when perceived as costly if they believed they would help them reduce operating costs.
Practical implications
Policymakers should assist hotel managers when the sector is hit by political events, natural disasters or health crises such as the current pandemic can bounce back and develop their resilience. Likewise, training and workshops can be organized to improve managers’ entrepreneurial mindset, which was found to be a precursor to favorable attitudes toward sustainability.
Originality/value
This study tests a novel model built on three theories: resilience theory, the theory of entrepreneurial orientation and the TRA by using PLS-SEM and fsQCA.
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Hasnan Baber, Haywantee Ramkissoon, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Vahid Ghasemi and Ziaul Haque Munim
The purpose of this study is to suggest a reward-based crowdfunding approach and test customers’ financial contribution behaviour (FCB) as a fundraising strategy for hospitality…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to suggest a reward-based crowdfunding approach and test customers’ financial contribution behaviour (FCB) as a fundraising strategy for hospitality enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate this initiative, a conceptual model motivated by the theory of planned behaviour, integrating economic, emotional, social and altruistic values, perceived risk and electronic word of mouth has been considered. Partial least square structural equation modelling is applied to test the model. Data was collected from 263 respondents across three regions – Europe, Asia and Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Findings
Findings revealed that attitude, self-efficacy and subjective norm of the customers positively influence their financial contribution intention. Further, Asian customers demonstrate significantly higher FCB in comparison to MENA.
Research limitations/implications
This study will be helpful for the hospitality players to raise the funds during the crisis and survive to pay the reward back to the customers. This study will be helpful to the crowdfunding platforms to understand the factors which influence the contribution behaviour.
Practical implications
The results of this study can encourage hoteliers and other hospitality players looking to approach their funding needs through crowdfunding by providing them a guide to maximise their possibility and level of success.
Originality/value
Hospitality businesses demand new approaches and strategies to keep operating during COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 time. This research is original to provide insights into customer contribution intentions during COVID-19.
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Mohamed Mousa, Hala Abdelgaffar, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz and Walid Chaouali
This study aims to investigate the perceptions of female tour guides’ lower and top levels of management in travel agencies about how misunderstanding Islam and its culture may…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the perceptions of female tour guides’ lower and top levels of management in travel agencies about how misunderstanding Islam and its culture may engender the poor representation of women in the tour guide profession.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research method is used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 full-time female tour guides working at several travel agencies in Egypt. Thematic analysis helped extract main ideas from the transcripts.
Findings
The representation of female tour guides in travel agencies is shaped by the following three determinants: religious (familial obligations and marital status), contextual (nature of tour guide activities, poor representation of women in senior tourism-related jobs, cronyism, sexual harassment and spread of foreign female tour guides) and media influence. Understanding these three factors may enable a more comprehensive representation of female tour guides.
Practical implications
Female tour guides could work closely with tourism policymakers in Egypt to shape the media messages about them. This might include elaborating on the main challenges faced by female tour guides. Social support from families and friends may allow female tour guides more freedom and empowerment.
Originality/value
This study contributes by filling a gap in tourism, human resources management and gender studies in which empirical studies on the representation of females in travel agencies have been limited so far.
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Mahmoud Abou Kamar, Azza Maher, Islam Elbayoumi Salem and Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz
This study used an integrated model that incorporates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to empirically investigate how…
Abstract
Purpose
This study used an integrated model that incorporates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to empirically investigate how eco-gamification stimulates users' sustainability knowledge and, consequently, their pro-sustainable intentions through the mediating roles of sustainable knowledge and psychological and social norms. Thus, the study aims to examine users'’ experiences with the JouleBug app, which is designed to encourage users to complete at least one daily green task.
Design/methodology/approach
After a trial period of two weeks, a total of 360 participants completed the post-game survey during the research process.
Findings
The findings from the structural equation modeling and data analysis indicated a good fit for the model. The findings demonstrate that usefulness, ease of use and enjoyment of eco-gamification enrich users' sustainability knowledge, which, in turn, strongly influences their pro-sustainable intentions. According to the findings, the three factors of TPB have a significant impact on users' pro-sustainability intentions. Both sustainable knowledge and social cues play mediating roles in such relationships.
Practical implications
This study advocates that eco-gamification can be used as a platform to modify tourists’ pro-sustainability intentions in emerging tourism and technology destinations such as Egypt. Hence, this study offers significant information to tourism planners and other stakeholders on tourists’ behavioural intentions.
Originality/value
This study examined the effectiveness of an integrated model of TAM and TBP in predicting tourists’ intentions to use eco-gamification to improve the sustainability of tourist destinations.
目的
本研究采用结合技术接受模型(TAM)和计划行为理论(TPB)的综合模型, 旨在探究生态游戏化如何提升用户对可持续性的认知, 从而影响他们支持环保行为的意愿。通过研究可持续性知识以及心理和社会规范在其中的中介作用来实现这一目标。因此, 本研究调查了用户使用JouleBug应用程序的体验, 该应用程序旨在鼓励用户每天完成至少一个环保任务。
设计/方法/步骤
在为期两周的试验期后, 共有360名参与者在研究过程中完成了后测问卷调查。
研究结果
通过结构方程模型和数据分析, 研究结果表明模型拟合良好。研究发现, 生态游戏化的实用性、易用性和乐趣能够丰富用户的可持续性知识, 从而强烈影响他们支持可持续性的意愿。研究结果还显示, 计划行为理论(TPB)的三个因素对用户的支持可持续性意愿有显著影响。可持续性知识和社会提示在这些关系中发挥着中介作用。
实际意义
本研究主张, 生态游戏化可以作为一个平台, 用于引导游客在埃及等新兴旅游和科技目的地中支持可持续性的意愿。因此, 该研究为旅游规划者和其他利益相关者提供了有关游客行为意向的重要信息。
创新性/价值
本研究考察了TAM和TPB综合模型在预测游客使用生态游戏化改善旅游目的地可持续性意愿方面的有效性。
Finalidad
Este estudio utilizó un modelo integrado que combina el Modelo de Aceptación Tecnológica (TAM) y la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado (TPB) para investigar cómo la eco-gamificación aumenta el conocimiento de los usuarios sobre la sostenibilidad y, en consecuencia, sus intenciones para actuar favorablemente en el medio ambiente. Esto se logró analizando cómo el conocimiento sostenible y las normas psicológicas y sociales actuaban como mediadores. Para ello, la investigación examina las experiencias de los usuarios con la aplicación JouleBug, diseñada para fomentar que los usuarios realicen al menos una tarea verde diaria.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Tras un período de prueba de dos semanas, un total de 360 participantes completaron la encuesta posterior al juego durante el proceso de investigación.
Resultados
Los resultados del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales y análisis de datos indicaron un buen ajuste del modelo. Los resultaros evidencian que la utilidad, facilidad de uso y disfrute de la eco-gamificación enriquecen el conocimiento de sostenibilidad de los usuarios y, a su vez, influye significativamente en sus intenciones pro-sostenibilidad. Conforme a los resultados, los tres factores de la TPB tienen un impacto significativo en las intenciones pro-sostenibilidad de los usuarios. Tanto el conocimiento sostenible como las señales sociales desempeñan roles mediadores en estas relaciones.
Implicaciones prácticas
Este estudio aboga por el uso de la eco-gamificación como una plataforma para modificar las intenciones pro-sostenibilidad de los turistas en destinos emergentes de turismo y tecnología, como Egipto. Por tanto, esta investigación proporciona información significativa para los planificadores de turismo y otros interesados en las intenciones conductuales de los turistas.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio examinó la eficacia de un modelo integrado de TAM y TPB para predecir las intenciones de los turistas de utilizar la eco-gamificación para mejorar la sostenibilidad de los destinos turísticos.
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Mohamed Mousa, Hala Abdelgaffar, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Walid Chaouali and Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz
This study examines how far female tour guides in Egypt experience sexual harassment and how they cope with it.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines how far female tour guides in Egypt experience sexual harassment and how they cope with it.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research method is employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 full-time female tour guides working for several travel agencies in Egypt. Thematic analysis was used to extract the main ideas from the transcripts.
Findings
The findings show that female tour guides in Egypt would encounter annoying gender harassment mostly from tourists they serve, and they might suffer from irresponsible behavior – gender harassment, unwanted sexual harassment, and sexual coercion – from their local managers. When facing sexual harassment, female tour guides usually tend to adopt one of the following three coping strategies: (a) indifference to sexual harassment they encounter, (b) heroism by taking legal action when exposed to sexual harassment or (c) fatalism by taking inconsequential action such as complaining the harasser to his direct manager or filling in an official complaint inside their workplace. The selection of the coping strategy is usually based on the female victim's personality and the organizational and social context she adapts to.
Originality/value
This paper contributes by filling a gap in tourism, human resources management and gender studies in which empirical studies on the sexual harassment that female tour guides encounter, particularly in non-Western contexts, have been limited so far.
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